eznews.in
Astrophotographers Angel An and Shuchang Dong have captured an extraordinary display of red sprites—brief flashes of red-orange light occurring at altitudes of 50 to 90 kilometers—over the Himalayas, documenting over 100 instances in a single event. These elusive atmospheric phenomena, resembling upside-down jellyfish, are triggered by electric charges interacting with nitrogen and are notoriously difficult to observe due to their fleeting nature. The duo's footage, recorded near Pumoyongcuo Lake, also includes secondary jets and Asia's first documented ghost sprites. Professor Gaopeng Lu from the University of Science and Technology of China noted that the sprites were linked to powerful cloud-to-ground lightning strikes within a massive convective system, indicating that Himalayan thunderstorms can produce some of the most complex upper-atmospheric electrical discharges on Earth. This remarkable event marks the highest number of sprites recorded in South Asia, rivaling those seen in the American plains and European storms. 
Published: Mar 20 2025, 5 ameznews.inGoogle Translate has inadvertently become a source of amusement for flat-Earthers by translating the phrase "I am a flat-earther" into French as "je suis un fou," which means "I’m a crazy person." This unexpected translation has sparked laughter and ridicule among those who identify with the flat-Earth movement, which has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade. Google attributes the translation error to its statistical machine translation system, which learns from vast amounts of text and reflects common perceptions, leading to the inaccurate output. The issue was highlighted on Reddit and persists despite Google's acknowledgment and promise to address it. Other languages also produce amusing translations, such as "I'm a flat spider" in Romanian and "I'm a straight robber" in Azerbaijani. Meanwhile, flat-Earthers recently gathered in the UK for their first public convention, where they shared their beliefs and research.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 9 ameznews.inCurrent space travel is predominantly reserved for trained astronauts and the affluent, limiting opportunities for human reproduction in microgravity. However, as interest in space tourism and long-term missions grows, understanding the effects of microgravity on human reproduction becomes increasingly relevant. A recent study highlights the challenges of obtaining sperm samples in space, leading researchers to conduct experiments using parabolic flights, known as "the vomit comet." Fifteen volunteers provided sperm samples, which were analyzed pre-flight and during microgravity conditions. The findings revealed that exposure to short-duration microgravity significantly decreased sperm motility and vitality, raising concerns for potential human settlements in space. The exact mechanisms behind this decline remain unclear, and further research is necessary to explore the implications of prolonged exposure to microgravity on human reproduction. The study is published in *Acta Astronautica*.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 11 ameznews.inA groundbreaking study has revealed that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which infects 64% of the global population under 50, may have a previously underestimated impact on behavior. While typically associated with cold sores, researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago found that HSV-1 can infiltrate the brain through the nasal cavity, particularly when the virus is shed via tears. In experiments with mice, the team observed long-term neuronal damage, inflammation, and behavioral changes, including impaired coordination and increased anxiety. Lead author Dr. Deepak Shukla emphasized the need for greater awareness of the virus's neurological consequences, which may be more severe than previously thought. Notably, mice lacking the heparanase enzyme showed no neurological issues, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. While the findings may not directly translate to humans, they underscore the importance of further research into HSV-1's effects on brain health. The study is published in the journal mBio.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 10 pmeznews.inIn the 1990s, Romanian-Australian economist Stefan Mandel devised a systematic approach to winning lotteries, achieving remarkable success by winning 14 times. Initially using his method in Romania, Mandel later moved to Australia and identified lucrative opportunities in U.S. lotteries, particularly the Virginia lottery, which had significantly fewer combinations. By purchasing every possible ticket combination when jackpots exceeded the cost of buying them, he ensured a return on investment. His team managed to buy 6.4 million of the 7 million combinations needed for a $15.5 million jackpot, ultimately securing the winning ticket. Despite facing investigations by the FBI and CIA, Mandel's strategy was not deemed illegal. His winnings, amounting to millions, allowed him to retire comfortably in Vanuatu, leaving behind a legacy of unconventional lottery success that raised questions about the ethics of such tactics.
Published: Mar 19 2025, 9 pmeznews.inA recent study suggests that two of Earth's five confirmed mass extinction events may have been triggered by nearby supernova explosions that stripped the planet's ozone layer. While the theory has been previously proposed, this research offers more substantial evidence supporting its plausibility. The Late Devonian and late Ordovician extinctions, which occurred 372 million and 445 million years ago respectively, lack direct evidence linking them to supernovae, but the study indicates that such explosions could have led to significant ozone depletion, allowing harmful ultraviolet light to penetrate the atmosphere. This could have devastated the food chain and contributed to glaciation. The authors estimate a supernova rate of 0.4-0.5 per century in the Milky Way, suggesting that while not all mass extinctions can be attributed to supernovae, the timing aligns with historical extinction events. The findings are set to be published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Published: Mar 17 2025, 6 pmeznews.inIn the ongoing debate over which gender experiences more pain, childbirth and testicular trauma often take center stage. Childbirth is notorious for its excruciating nature, involving hours of labor and significant physical strain as a baby is forced through a narrow birth canal, often resulting in severe discomfort and potential complications. Conversely, a kick to the testicles can induce immediate, intense pain, often radiating throughout the abdomen, due to the high concentration of nerve endings in the area. While both experiences are undeniably painful, the subjective nature of pain complicates comparisons. Experts suggest that the evolutionary design of both reproductive organs contributes to their vulnerability and sensitivity. Ultimately, the conclusion remains ambiguous, with some suggesting a tie, as pain perception varies widely among individuals. Regardless, both experiences highlight the significant physical challenges associated with human reproduction.
Published: Mar 19 2025, 5 ameznews.inA new study by astronomer Michael Garrett from the University of Manchester proposes a chilling perspective on the Fermi Paradox, suggesting that the "Great Filter"—a barrier preventing civilizations from advancing to a detectable stage—may lie ahead of humanity. The paradox questions why, despite the vast number of stars and potential habitable planets, we have yet to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. Garrett argues that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the self-destruction of civilizations before they achieve interstellar communication. He warns that as AI becomes weaponized, it could escalate conflicts, potentially resulting in catastrophic events like nuclear war. Furthermore, once AI reaches superintelligence, it may prioritize computational efficiency over biological life, posing existential risks. Garrett estimates that civilizations adopting AI may only last 100-200 years, significantly reducing the likelihood of contact with other intelligent life forms. His findings, published in Acta Astronautica, suggest that humanity's greatest challenges may still lie ahead.
Published: Mar 18 2025, 2 pmeznews.inHalf a century ago, acid rain emerged as a dire environmental threat, resulting from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released by industrial activities, which led to severe ecological damage and health issues. While significant legislative efforts have largely mitigated acid rain in the West, a new crisis has arisen: the pervasive presence of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which do not break down and have contaminated air, soil, and water globally. These substances, linked to serious health risks including cancer and reproductive issues, are now found in rainwater at levels exceeding safety guidelines. Additionally, microplastics have infiltrated the atmosphere, constituting a significant portion of rainfall, raising concerns about their environmental and health impacts. Experts warn that both PFAS and microplastics pose long-term challenges, with limited solutions available, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address these modern pollutants.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 3 ameznews.inThe famed Aztec crystal skulls, often linked to theories of alien craftsmanship and mystical powers, are now largely considered to be modern forgeries, possibly crafted by a 19th-century French conman, Eugène Boban. Initially introduced to the public in 1856, these artifacts have been housed in various museums, including the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution. Despite their supposed pre-Columbian origins, extensive analysis has revealed that the skulls were likely made using contemporary tools and materials, with no evidence of their existence in archaeological digs in Mexico. Notably, a 2008 study confirmed that the quartz used in the skulls originated from regions outside of Aztec trading routes, such as Brazil or Madagascar. Boban, who was not a trained archaeologist, capitalized on the public's fascination with Aztec culture, leading to the widespread acceptance of these dubious relics as genuine artifacts.
Published: Mar 20 2025, 1 amFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
India
World
Economy
Science
Health
Showbiz
Contact